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SD 561 
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Copy 1 




With the Complij *" of 
FRANKLIN B./ -^H, 

Lowville, 




[From the Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement 
OF Science, Vol. XXrX~Coi!oH THeetlng, August, 1880.] 



it^:-^-^ 



Report of the Committee upon Forestry. 

At the meeting of this Association held at Saratoga, in August 
last, a Resolution was introduced, and referred by the Standing 
Committee, to the Committee upon Forestry, in which, in view 
of the great importance of the matter of Forest-protection and 
Wood-culture, the desire was expressed, that some Report looking 
towards definite action be received from this Committee, at the 
next meeting of the Association. 

Your published proceedings show, that two reports have al- 
ready been made by the Committee upon Forestry ; but in order to 
present the subject in a connected form, we will here briefly review 
the action that has been taken in pursuance of the object men- 
tioned . 

At the session held at Portland, in 1873, it was 

" Resolved^ That a Committee be appointed by the Association, 
to memorialize Congress and the several State Legislatures upon 
the importance of promoting the cultivation of Timber, and the 
preservation of Forests, and to recommend proper legislation for 
securing these objects." 

It was understood at the time, that an amendment was adopted, 
directing this Committee to enter into correspondence with For- 
estry Associations of other countries, with the view of more 
effectually promoting the interests involved in this subject, but 
the proceedings as published do not show this fact. 

A few days afterwards, a preliminary meeting was held at the 
house of Mr. George B. Emerson, in Boston, at which a majority 
of the Committee was present, and an interchange of views was 
had, as to the best means for carrying into effect the wishes of 
the Association, in the matter under their charge. As the interests 
involved concern no particular State, but pervade the whole coun- 

(1) 



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^6^ 

2 REPORT OF THE ^ 

tiy, it was thought proper to bring the subject first before Congress ; 
and a sub-committee consisting of George B. Emerson and F. B. 
Hough was appointed to give personal attention to this duty. 

A memorial was prepared and sent in printed form to each 
member of the Committee, and to other persons known to feel an 
interest in the subject, inviting their suggestions, and asking 
them to propose any modifications in the memorial that they might 
deem proper. 

In January, 1874, this sub-committee repaired to Washington, 
and for preliminary consultation, a meeting was held at the 
Smithsonian Institution, at which several members of Congress 
and others attended. 

As the result of this conference, it was thought best to ask for 
the appointment of a Commission, similar to that previously 
created in the interest of Fisheries, for the collection of facts, 
and the publication of information upon the subject. 

This being cordially approved by the President, the memorial 
>of the sub-committee was transmitted by him to both Houses of 
Congress, with the strong approval of the Commissioner of the 
General Land Office, and of the Secretary of the Interior, 

This special message of the President was referred in each 
House to the Committee on the Public Lands, ^ and an arrangement 
was made between the Chairmen of these Committees, to the 
effect that the Committee of the House should first examine the 
subject in detail, and that the Senate Committee should reserve 
its action until the former had reported. 

At this stage of the proceedings, the senior member of the 
sub-committee was recalled by private aflTairs, — the other member 
remaining until near the close of the session. 

After unforeseen delays, caused by other business having prece- 
dence in the Committee, an opportunity for a hearing was given, 
and the question was referred to a sub-committee, consisting of 
Messrs. Bunnell of Minnesota, Phillips of Kansas, and Herndon 
of Texas. These gentlemen, having faithfully examined the sub- 
ject in detail, adopted a Report which, being presented to the gen- 
eral Committee and approved by them, was laid before the House 
with an accompanying Bill, on the 17th of March following.^ 

1 Senate Ex Doc, 23; 1st sess., 431(1 Cong. 

2 Report No. 259, H. R.; Ist sess., 43ra Cong. An extra edition of 5,000 copies of this 
Eeport was ordered by Congress. 




COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 3 

A hearing was afterwards given by the Senate Committee, but 
the subject did not reach them for their action, which would doubt- 
less have been unanimously in its favor, — judging from the 
opinions expressed in conversation by each of the members. 

In this Report of the House Committee, they say : — "That they 
have given their attention to the subject, and learn that the me- 
morial above referred to was prepared by a Committee of the 
American Association for the Advancement of Science, as the 
esult of a discussion induced by a communication read before 
them at their annual session in Portland, Maine, on the 21st of 
August, 1873, on 'the Duty of Governments in the Preservation 
of Forests.' 

" A subject endorsed b}' an Association, embracing within its 
membership the highest scientific talent of the country, must 
commend itself to our notice as worthy of attention. More es- 
pecially is this notice due, when their action takes the form of a 
recommendation to Congress, upon a subject alleged to involve 
the duty of the Government, upon questions that vitall}^ affect the 
interests of the whole country, and especially those of Agriculture, 
Manufactures and Commerce. 

" When it is further affirmed, that without timel}^ provision of 
law, these great agencies of civilization and elements of wealth, 
will, in the near future, be materially impaired, we cannot hesitate 
to give the recommendation a most careful examination, to the end 
that, if well founded, the measures best calculated for averting 
these injuries may be devised, and the remedies most effectually 
applied. 

"After as full an investigation of the question as present 
opportunities allow, we are convinced that the statements of the 
memorial are substantially true, and that it is the duty of the 
Government to take immediate measures for ascertaining the con- 
dition and prospects of our timber supply, to the end that the fu- 
ture wants of the country, with regard to these great interests, 
both in their scientific and practical relations, should be thor- 
oughly investigated and made widely known." 

The Bill accompanying this Report provided for the appoint- 
ment of a Commissioner of Forestry, and afforded facilities for 
his researches, but failed at that session to become a law. It was 
not opposed in any manner, but was simply laid aside by the pres' 
sure of other measures then before Congress. 



4 REPORT OF THE 

At the Hartford meeting of this Association, held in 1874, a 
Eeport, signed b}'- a majority of your Committee, was presented 
by Mr. George B. Emerson, and will be found to give the above 
proceedings in fuller detail.^ 

Early in the 44th Congress, the Hon. Mark H. Bunnell, who 
had taken particular interest in this subject, introduced upon no- 
tice, a similar Bill, which received the same reference as before. 
An opportunity for a hearing was given, but no report was made. 
Before the end of this session, this gentleman, liowever, secured 
the adoption of an amendment to an act making appropriations 
for the current expenses of the Government, in which the Com- 
missioner of Agriculture was directed to appoint a person for 
prosecuting these inquiries relating to Forestry, his powers and 
duties being similar to those specified in the Bill just mentioned. 
This appointment was given to Dr. Franklin B. Hough, and on the 
8th of December, 187.7, he presented to the Commissioner of 
Agriculture a Report upon a part of the subjects specified in the 
act under which this appointment was made. It was transmitted 
to Congress by the President on the 13th of December, and re- 
ferred to the House Committee upon Agriculture. 

An edition of 25,000 copies of this Report was ordered, but 
with a restriction introduced by the Printing Committee, which 
limited its extent to 650 pages, and compelled the omission of a 
part of the Report.^ 

At the meeting of this Association held at St. Louis, in 1878, a 
second Report, prepared by the Chairman of your Committee, was 
presented, in which further details are given of these proceedings. ^ 
It also embodies his views concerning the subject of Forestry, as 
applied to the United States, and recites in detail the measures 
already adopted in various states for the encouragement of plant- 
ing, with such suggestions as to him appeared most effectual for 
the promotion of these interests. • 

The Commissioner of Agriculture, deeming the authority 
granted under the act above mentioned, as sufficient, gave direc- 
tions for a continuance of these inquiries, and found means from 
the funds under his control for defraying the expenses. A second 

» Proceedings of A. A. A. S., 23d meeting, Aug., 1874, pp. 36 to 45. 

* Report upon Forestry, prepared under the direction of the Commissioner of Agri- 
culture, pursuant to an Act of Congress, approved August 15, 1876. By Franklin B. 
Hough. 8vo. pp. 650. 

^Proceedings of A. A. A. S., 27th meeting, St. Louis, pp. 29 to 40, 



COMMITTEE Uf ON FORESTET. 5 

Report was presented in January, 1879, and transmitted to Con- 
gress by the President early in February of that year. From 
various causes, wholly foreign to the subject, but chiefly from the 
occupation of the members of the Committee upon Agriculture 
(to which it was referred), in other business more urgent, no 
session was held by the Committee, at which a hearing could be 
obtained, from the time when this Report was laid before them till 
the end of the session. In fact, the Committee met but once for 
business during this time, and then it was wholly occupied upon 
another subject. The Report was therefore withdrawn at the last 
moment of the session, and returned to the Department. 

Early in 1880, a Resolution was introduced in Congress, calling 
for a return of the Report above mentioned, and it was again 
transmitted by the President, and at once ordered to be printed. 

The Committee upon Agriculture, to Avhom it was referred, 
gave the subject a prompt and attentive hearing, and agreed 
unanimously to recommend the publication of 100,000 extra 
copies. This resolution was still pending when Congress ad- 
journed, and lies over till next session. In the meantime, the 
stereotyping has been going forward to completion, making a 
volume of 618 pages. 

By the terms of law under which these labors have been done, 
the Commissioner of Agriculture was directed, among other things, 
to cause a Report to be made upon the " Importation and Expor- 
tation of Timber and other Forest Products ;" and the second 
Report upon Forestry will be found to embrace an exhaustive 
statement of the subject in its commercial aspect. It gives a 
complete summary of the exportation and importation of forest 
products and wood manufactures, through the period of ninety 
years, beginning with the government in its present form in 1789, 
and coming down to the close of the last fiscal year, June 30, 
1879, as reported annually by the Secretary of the Treasury from 
the returns of Collectors of Customs. The arrangement of the 
tables will be found as uniform as the data would permit, and 
ample summaries, percentages and deductions from these tables 
have been prepared. 

The intimate relation between the timber interests of the United 
States and of Canada, scarcely allows us to consider one without 
taking into account the other. It is well known that for many 
years, the lumber products of Canada have found an extensive 



6 REPORT OF THE 

and ready sale within ttie United States, and at tlie same time, 
tliat a large amount of the hewn timber from within the United 
States, in the country bordering upon our northern lakes, and 
intended for foreign markets, has been taken down the lakes and 
the St. Lawrence, for shipment at Quebec. In fact, there has 
always existed a cei-tain community of interest in the forests, 
between the inhabitants of the United States and of Canada, and 
it may be reasonbly predicted, that, so long as lumber and timber 
are produced in either of these countries, they will go to supply the 
wants of both. 

It has therefore been deemed advisable, in presenting a full 
view of the commerce in wood-products for the United States, 
and in order that this branch of the subject should be as complete 
as possible, to enter upon a cai'eful study of the Canadian timber 
trade from data published by tlie Dominion and the Provincial Gov- 
ernments, beginning with the date of Confederation in 1867, and 
coming down to the end of the last fiscal year. In some branches 
of this inquiry, the statistics are carried back to an earlier period, 
especially in regard to the passage of timber through the govern- 
ment slides and canals, and the inspection of lumber in the timber- 
market of Quebec. 

A careful analysis has been made of the results of inquiries 
instituted in recent years by committees of the Dominion Parlia- 
ment, with the view of ascertaining the condition and futui'e pros- 
pects of the timber resources of the country, and the means best 
adapted for maintaining these supplies, and for economizing their 
use. 

A full account is also given of the sj'stems of management, 
with respect to the timber upon the Crown Lands, the results of 
experience in former methods, and the modifications which this 
experience has pointed out, in perfecting the systems now in use. 
In this we may find suggestions applicable in some instances to the 
public lands of the United States, in the methods of conservation 
and management that may be hereafter adopted upon our public 
domain; in fact, from a similarity . of circumstances, we have 
more to learn from the experience gained in American forests 
than from the Forest Administrations of Europe, where the ten- 
ure of the lands, the systems of government, forest servitudes 
and the rights of communes and of individuals, are so widely 
different. 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 7 

The Crown Lands of Manitoba and of the Northwestern Territo- 
ries of Canada belong to the Dominion Government and are in 
care of the Department of tlie Secretary of State, in a branch 
of which there is a " Dominion Lands Office." 

Li other parts of Canada, the Crown Lands belong to the Prov- 
inces in which they lie, and separate systems of management are 
provided. In Ontario and Quebec these lands are in charge of a 
Commissioner of Crown Lands ; in New Brunswick they are 
under the Surveyor General ; in Nova Scotia, under the Attorney 
General ; and in British Columbia, under a Chief Commissioner of 
Lands and Works. 

In perfecting the Report, application was made personally, or 
by correspondence, to the several Departments of the general and 
local governments of Canada, having official cognizance of the 
subject, and full series of every class of Reports bearing upon the 
forest-question were collected from them all. More than this, 
substantial assistance was furnished in several cases, in the way 
of copies of documents not published, and manuscript statements 
explanatory of the reports. In short, these inquiries met with 
the most courteous attentions, indicating the great interest which 
the question of timber-supply is awakening in Canada, and afford- 
ing the ground for hope, that effectual measures will ere long be 
realized in that country for turning their remaining resources to 
the best account. 

If they will go a step farther, and secure adequate means for 
re-production, the wants of the future will be assured. As an in- 
dication that one of the means most certain to secure this desir- 
able end is well understood, we maj' mention, that in the Province 
of Quebec, it is no longer permitted to cut pine trees upon the 
public lands, measuring less than twelve inches in diameter at the 
stump. If they could, besides this, secure adequate measures for 
the prevention of forest fires and other waste, and apply the reser- 
vations to other kinds of timber, and especially the spruce, they 
would have a useful system of Forestry in operation. 

For this second Report that we are describing, a series of 
graphic illustrations was prepared by a skilful draftsman at the 
time when the statistical tables were first submitted to the Depart- 
ment. They would fill about a hundred pages, and it was intended 
to reproduce them by a photo-engraving process. The addition 
of three more years, since made to these tables, would render it 



8 REPORT OF THE 

necessary to reconstruct these drawings, which cannot now be 
done, at least for the first issue of the Report. 

Besides the statistical details and generalities above mentioned, 
the Report under notice embraces the recent legislation of the 
General, the State and the Territorial Governments, upon the sub- 
ject of timber-plantiug and other interests of Forestry, with state- 
ments relating to the operation of these laws. 

It is a significant fact, that in the three States where planting 
is perhaps of greatest need, viz. : in Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, 
the premiums formerly offered for planting trees upon prairie lands 
were, after a few years' experience, wholly or in part, withdrawn. 
This should not be regarded as a sign that the interest in this sub- 
ject is declining — but rather that a realization of the necessity for 
plantations is increasing ; and that, in fact, it has become so 
evident and convincing, that it does not need a motive, beyond 
the pecuniary interest of the owner of the land. 

Furthermore, these acts, intended for encouragement, have 
everywhere led to fraudulent claims for premiums and exemp- 
tions, the work of planting being often done in the most super- 
ficial and indifl'erent manner, by those whose chief object was to 
secure the present benefit of these laws, rather than the more 
remote but substantial profits of a successful timber-growth. 

In the state of Nebraska, after repealing a law extravagantly 
liberal in its provisions, and remaining some years without any, 
the Legislature has recently enacted a new statute upon this sub- 
ject which, after the experience of the past, may be presumed to 
approach more nearly the standard of greatest utility at the least 
expense. It is entitled "An Act to encourage the Growth and 
Cultivation of Timber in the State of Nebraska," and was ap- 
proved February 27, 1879. Its leading provisions are as follows : 

The sum of three and one-third dollars per acre is to be paid 
annually for five j-ears from the county treasury, to the extent 
of not more than three acres, planted in belts of six rows of 
trees running east and west, along the north or middle section 
lines. The trees are to be four feet apart in the rows, and the 
rows eight feet apart, the whole being under cultivation and in 
good condition during the time this bounty is paid. 

"We deem this act altogether too specific ; for it assumes that 
shelter is needed only on the north side of lands, and that there 
is no diversity in this need. It is quite evident that the aspect 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 9 

and circumstances of some localities might render protection 
desirable from other points besides the north, especially in the 
remote prairie states, that often suffer from the dry and heated 
winds from the southwest. 

It would be better to leave the direction and densitj- of these 
timber-belts to the discretion of the planter, as his circumstances 
might indicate. 

By another statute of recent date, the State of Nebraska, in 
pursuance of the authority expressed in its Constitution, now 
exempts, from taxation, the increased value of lands by reason 
of live-fences, fruit and forest trees grown and cultivated thereon, 
without regard to the area planted, or the time that the planta- 
tion is maintained. We deem this a simple and effectual mode 
of encouragement, well worthy of careful trial in the prairie states ; 
but there should evidently be some limit to the period of exemp- 
tion, to prevent the public burdens from bearing unequally upon 
joroperty, for otherwise there would eventually arise a just cause 
of complaint from other interests. The limit might perhaps be 
extended to the time when the plantation would begin to bring 
a revenue to the owner. 

AVe may here remark, that this accumulation and comparison 
of experience in the legislation of the country, for the benefit of 
forest-culture, may prove one of the most effectual means for 
bringing about that uniformity and that degree of excellence 
that secure the best results. We should profit from experience, 
where it leads to error, not less than when it is crowned with 
success. 

Without further notice of this second Report, which will soon be 
before the public, we will only add, that Congress at its late ses- 
sion, after due deliberation, made provision for the continuance of 
these labors; — that plans for special investigations in several 
departments of Forestry are in progress, and that a third Report 
is in course of preparation. 

It will be seen from the foregoing, that prominence has been 
given, in the Report now in press, to the practical interests of the 
lumber trade. Although the question of supply is one of vital 
importance to the country, — the one wherein most is demanded, 
and the only one in which the countrj'^ generally will take great 
interest ; it should be steadily borne in mind, that the best service 



10 REPORT OF THE 

for the promotion of the material interests of Forestry can be 
rendered through the aid of science. The prominent duties of 
the branch of the public service, having charge of this subject, 
should therefore be to advance, by every means of inquiry and 
research within its power, our knowledge of the laws of nature 
concerned in forest-growth, and carefully to investigate the various 
circumstances that lead to best results. We should have definite 
knowledge of the casualties that may happen, and the means by 
which they may be mitigated or avoided, and upon all occasions 
seek to utilize the discoveries of science, wherever they can be 
applied. 

In the national census of the present year, provision is for the 
first time made for a special investigation of our forest resources, 
and in the hands of Professor C. S. Sargent and his assistants, 
we may expect that this work will be well done. 

The only State Forestry Association, yet organized, is that of 
Minnesota, which is doing good service in the promotion of tree- 
planting in the prairie regions of that State. The project of a 
School of Forestry has been proposed in Minnesota, and a land- 
grant for its endowment has been asked from Congress, — but 
hitherto, as we understand, without success. 

We deem it of the first importance that a better knowledge of 
the principles of arboriculture should be more widely diffused. It 
remains a question of the future, as to how far a special education 
in this branch of applied knowledge would, at present, find ade- 
quate remuneration, unless associated with capital, and sustained 
b}' an intelligent appreciation of the importance of forest culture, 
by those having money to invest in this enterprise, which is as yet 
too seldom found. 

In speaking of the results of associated effort, in the interest of 
sylviculture, we should not fail to notice our State Agricultural 
and Horticultural Societies, many of which now recognize the im- 
portance of this subject, and admit discussions bearing upon tree- 
culture, at their meetings and in their published Transactions. 
This is particularly the case in Iowa, where much prominence is 
given to questions relating to the planting of groves and hedges, 
and premiums are offered tending to improvements in manage- 
ment, and extension of amount done. In some of the older States, 
and especially in Massachusetts, much attention has been given, 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 11 

in recent years, to this subject ; but in none of the states have we 
seen statistics of the results obtained by the offer of these premi- 
ums of the later period. 

Within the last three years, the Secretary of the Interior, in 
whose Department is vested the care of the Public Lands, has been 
making commendable eflbrts to arrest the unlawful cutting of timber 
upon these lands. In this he has met with great opposition from 
interested parties, through the political and other influences that 
they have been able to bring in Congress, and from delays in the 
courts. 

The shameful extent to which these depradations have been 
going on, through a long period of years, and in fact, until the 
practice had gained from long indulgence the semblance of a right, 
will hereafter be looked upon as a striking evidence of the barbar- 
ism of the age. 

These efforts to repress a criminal practice, long sanctioned by 
custom, have led to recent legislation in Congress upon the timber 
question, some of which will tend to increase rather than prevent 
the waste we have described. We refer particularly to an act 
passed two years since, granting to the inhabitants of certain re- 
gions, where conservation is of the first importance, the unre- 
strained use of timber upon the public domain, for all mining and 
domestic purposes, without so much as the pretext of a report as 
to the amount taken, the least check upon its limit, or the least 
payment for the privilege. ^ 

Among these recent statutes relating to our public domain, we 
still look in vain for the first indication of a policy tending to pro- 
vide for future supplies by reservation of timber lands — except to 
limited extent and for naval use alone. We find no limitation in the 
cutting of small trees, and no protection of lands with the view of 
affording a new growth of timber, where it has been taken away ; 
much less do we yet find any measures for planting upon the pub- 
lic lands, or any stipulations requiring this to be done by settlers, 
except in the still recent timber-culture acts, that have as yet 
scarcely passed through the trial of experience. 

The first of these timber-planting acts was passed in 1873, 
and amendments have been since made, as deemed necessary. If 
faithfully administered, the law cannot fail to prove of inestimable 

""An act authorizing the citizens of Colorado, Nevada and the Territories, to remoye 
Timber on the Public Domain, for mining and domestic purposes." Approved June 3, 

1878. 



12 REPORT OF THE 

value to the prairie states. According to this act as it now stands, 
a man may acquire the absolute title to a quarter-section, or 160 
acres of land, by planting and cultivating ten acres of timber, 
there being not less than 2,700 trees to the acre. The patent is 
not issued until eight years after the claim is entered. The mode 
of preparation of the land is prescribed, and proof of successful 
planting must be shown. 

According to the latest Reports, 5,157,681 acres had been entered 
under this act within three years, chie% in Kansas, Dakota, Ne- 
braska and Minnesota. Undoubtedly some of these lands have 
been taken up for speculative purposes, and as little labor as 
possible will be spent upon them in the way of planting and im- 
provement, while in many other instances, the undertaking is as- 
sumed in good faith, and with a desire to realize as much profit as 
possible from the cultivation. 

Passing from these statements relating to American Forestry, 
let us notice some facts of interest bearing upon the subject in 
Europe. As is well known, every government of continental 
Europe has now in operation a systern of forest management, the 
best of which provides (so far as concerns the forests owned by 
general and local governments, and by institutions) for a perpetual 
supply, to the full limit of their capacity for timber-growth. 

From this grade of excellence, requiring a special education and 
thorough training of agents for its maintenance, fully equal to 
that for any branch of the public service, we have various degrees 
of efficiency down to that of a mere police regulation for the preven- 
tion of fires, and the restraint of waste upon timber on the public 
domain. Yet these systems, however they may differ in details, 
agree in this: — that unless the public interest is concerned, the 
owners of private estates are generally allowed to cut or plant 
upon their own premises, as their interest decides. The excep- 
tions to this rule are, — along a frontier, where woodlands are needed 
for the public defence, the banks of a river liable to inundation — 
where materials should be at hand for the construction of barriers, 
— upon mountains liable to erosion of torrents, or on drifting 
sands on the seashore. There may be a few other exceptions, 
but as a general rule, the government does not often interfere with 
the timber upon private estates, even where it requires a notice of 
intention to be given before clearing is begun. 

Yet upon these private lands, large forests are sometimes grown 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 13 

for profit, and their management is often placed in the care of 
agents who have received the highest grade of special education 
for this particular service. Except in Great Britain, we believe 
that facilities have been provided for this special instruction in 
every country in Europe, either in academies where Forestry is 
taught alone, or in institutions where agriculture and other practi- 
cal industries receive a share of attention. 

It ma}' be proper to notice here a change that has been taking 
place in recent years, in the organization of these Schools of For- 
estry in Europe. In Austria, a first class School of Forestry at 
Mariabruun was, after more than forty years' existence, merged in 
1875 in a High School of Agriculture and Forestry in Vienna. 
In Bavaria, the Central Forest Academy at Aschaflenburg, still 
older than the one above mentioned, has been more recently united 
with the University of Munich, and discussions tending to further 
changes with the view of consolidation are now in progress in 
other forest academies. In Prussia, the two institutions at Ebers- 
walde and at Miinden still maintain a separate existence, and 
the former has recently commemorated the fiftieth year of its 
history. 

In looking at the organization of these institutions, we notice 
a marked change in their plan, particularly in Germany. In 
the preparatory studies, and especiall}'^ in the natural sciences 
and in physics, so far as they in the least concern the forester, we 
find a more careful division of labor, and a more earnest purpose 
to make these sciences to their whole extent available in their 
profession, instead of the elementary studies in chemistry and 
botany which formerly satisfied the requirements for graduation. 

In all of these institutions, excursions and practical exercises 
form a regular feature in the course of education, and microscopic 
studies now receive much more attention than formerl}'. 

The science at present receives a substantial support from 
various experimental stations in Germany, Austria, France and 
other countries, in vrhich both practical and scientific questions 
are carefully investigated, and the results published. Among 
these we may prominently mention the Foresters' Experimental 
Union in German}^, and the experimental labors of the Austrian 
Ministr}' of Agriculture, under the direction of Baron von 
Seckendorff. 

In recent years much interest has been manifested among in- 



li REPORT OF THE 

vestigators in Europe, in determining by instrumental observa- 
tions, made at comparative stations in tlie open fields and in the 
forests, the influence of the latter upon the atmosphere in their 
vicinity, and upon the climate of the countr}' generally. 

That forests tend to render the climate of a country colder and 
more humid, has been known from general observation for many 
centuries ; and the climate of Gaul, as described by Julius Csesar, 
compared with that of France at the present day, has been often 
cited as an instance of this fact. Yet it is only within a very 
recent period that an^^thing like a full and systematic comparison 
has been attempted by instrumental observations.''' 

In selecting the location of these stations, one set of instruments 
is placed in the open fields, and the other in the woods, the former 
being as much as possible free from the influence of the forest, 
and the latter fully under its protection. Care is taken that the 
soil, altitude and other circumstances, except the forest-shade, are 
alike. 

Their outfit generally consists of open-air thermometers — 
psychrometers — rain and snow gauges, barometers, wind-vanes, 
and instruments for observing the evaporation from surfaces 
variously covered as compared with a free water surface — the 
percolation of water through various soils, ozone records, and 
observations upon the periodical phenomena of animal and vege- 
table life generally, so far as influenced by the seasons. In some 
cases the temperature of the interior of trees is recorded, and in 
some of the later systems of observation, it has been proposed to 
ascertain the temperature and humidity not onl}' at the level of 
the tree-tops, but at a considerable height above them, the latter 
being obtained bj' the aid of masts, and b}'- captive balloons that 
admit of the elevation of instruments. 

Without going into details of the results of these observations, 
we may here remark, that records more or less complete in their 
plan have been established as follows : — 

In iSaxony, since 1862-3, under the direction of Professor 
Krutzsch, of Tharand, at nine stations, embracing records of 
temperature, humidity, rain, snow, etc. 

In Bavaria, since 1868, seven stations have been established 

'An account of investigations in this line down to 1872 was published in that year 
by the Bavon von Loffelholtz-Colberg, under the title of " Die Bedeutung und WicMig- 
keit des Waldes." 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 15 

under Dr. Ernst Eberma^^er, who in 1873 published very fully the 
results of four years' records,^ and in 1876 another work upon the 
formation of soil from the litter of woodlands, and the chemical 
statics of forest culture. ^ It was his intention at the end of ten 
years to publish the results of that period in more extended form, 
but his recent removal from Aschafi'enburg to Munich has appar- 
ently postponed, if it has not disappointed, this expectation. 

In Prussia, a system of observations, nearly similar to those in 
Bavaria, was begun in 1874 under Professor A. Miittrich, of 
Eberswalde, and now includes fourteen stations in Prussia, 
Brunswick and Alsace-Lorraine. The results are published 
monthly!'' and annuall}-,!! and a careful stud}^ of so much as 
relates to the temperature of the soil has recently appeared. ^^ 

In France, observations upon the rainfall in the woods and 
open fields were made under the direction of Marshal Vaillant, 
in 1866, near Paris, and published in the Atlas Meteor ologique of 
the Imperial Observatory of Paris for 1867. In the same year, 
observations of more extended character were commenced at two 
forest stations and one agricultural station in the vicinity of 
Nancy, near the eastern border of France, by Professor A. 
Mathieu of the school of F'orestry at Nancy, and have since 
been continued. A summary of eleven j'ears' observations was 
published in 1878.13 

Upon a general suggestion of the Congress of Agriculturists 
and Foresters at Vienna, in 1873, M. Fautrat, a sub-inspector 
in the French Forest Service, with the approval and aid of the 
Department, established two stations for comparative observa- 
tions, one in the deciduous forest of Halatte near Fleurines, and 

sDie physikalischen Einwirkungen des AValdes auf Liift und Boden, und seine 
klimatoliigische und hygienische Bedeutung, 1 Vol., 8vo, pp. 206 and 251, (with an 
atlas). Berlin, 1873. 

« Die gesammte Lehre den Waldstreu, mit Riioksicht auf die chemisclie Statik des 
"Waldbaues, I Vol., 8vo, pp. 300 and 116. Berlin. 1876. 

1" Beobachtungs Ergebnisse der iin Kijnigreich Preussen, im Herzogthum Braunsch- 
weig und in den Reichslanden eingerichetetea forstlich-meteorologischen Stationen, 
1 bis 5 Jahrgang, lS7.i-1879. 

" Jahresbericht uber die Beobachtungs-Ergebnisse der ira Konigreich Preussen und 
in den Reichslanden eingerichteten forstlich-meteorologischen Stationen, 1 bis 4 Jahr- 
gang, 1875-1878. 

i=Beobachtungen der Erdbodenteniperatur auf den forstlich-meteorologischen 
Stationen, in Preussen, Braunschweig und Elsass-Lothringen. Von A, Miittrich, Sep- 
arat-Abdruck, aus der Festschrift zur 50 jahrigen Jubelfeier der Forstakademie, 
Eberswalde. 4to. pp. 33, Berlin, 1880. 

13 Meteorologie Comparde, Agricole et Forestiere, 4to, Paris, pp. 70, Published by 
the Forest Administration, in connection with the Paris Exposition of 1878. 



16 REPORT OF THE 

the other in a forest of the Pinus sylvestris, near the village of 
Thiers. The former began in February 1874, and was continued 
four years ; the latter began in June 1875, and was continued three 
years. The results have been published by the French Forest 
Admin istration.i^ 

In Sivitzerland, observations Avere established in 1868 at three 
stations, by the Forest Administration of the Canton of Bern, and 
the results have since been published monthly in detail. i^ One 
of these stations is in a forest of beech, another of fir, and an- 
other of larch. The observations upon periodical phenomena, 
made at numerous stations in the Canton of Bern, under the 
same auspices, are published annually. ^^ 

In Austria, a plan of observations in Forest Meteorology has 
been prepared by Dr. Jos. R. Lorenz, and adopted as a part of 
the experimental system of researches under the general direction 
of Baron von Seckendorff, and under the authority of the Min- 
istry of Agriculture. The plan is very comprehensive and in- 
cludes some features not found in other systems. 

In Stveden, two scientific stations have been established by the 
government, one at Upland in the southeastern part, and the other 
at Skaarsborg. They have been in existence some three or four 
years, but we have not met with any publication of the results. 

In Italy, similar observations are being made at one or two 
stations under the direction of Dr. di Beranger, Director of the 
School of Forestry at Vallombrosa. 

In Bohemia, a system of meteorological observations has been 
recently established under the auspices of the Bohemian Forest 
Society ; and mainly in the interests of Forestry, which is very 
comprehensive in its plan, embracing a wide range as to elevation 
and exposure. So far as published, these records relate to the 
rainfall only, the observations being made by employes of the 
Forest Administration of the country. 

The number of stations at the beginning in January, 1879, was 
570, and at the end of the first .year, it had increased to 689. In 
February of the present year, the number was 712. The results 

'^ Observations Meteorologiques. Faites de 1874, a 1878, par M. Faiitrat. 4to, pp. 4 
(wiUi eight pages of plates). 

15 Beobachtiings-Ergebuisse der Im Kanton Bern zu forstlicheu Zwecken errich- 
eteten nieleorologischen Stationen. 

1" Kliniatologisclie iind Pliiinologische IJeobaclitungen (Observations climatologiques 
et Pheuologiques) im Canton Bern, 4to. 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 17 

are published monthly in detail, ^^ but as yet without attempt at 
generalization beyond the monthly means and totals. The system 
is under the care of Dr. Emanuel von Purkyne, a professor in the 
Forest academy of Weisswasser, and cannot fail of proving val- 
uable to the country and to the world, by making us better ac- 
quainted with the laws that govern the rainfall in a wooded 
country, and the circumstances that determine the amount. 

Special investigations concerning the temperature of the earth 
at different depths below the surface, and under various conditions, 
have been made in Russia and elsewhere. These have more or 
less relation to forest-meteorology ; and in several of the experi- 
mental stations now in operation, the results will contribute to 
a further knowledge of this important subject. 

We regret that hitherto so little has been done in our own 
country for the determination of the relations between the forests 
and the climate by direct comparative observations. With the 
exception of a few desultory records of temperature and rain- 
fall, we are not aware that anything has yet been attempted for 
this object, at any institution, or by any observer in America. 
The greater general dryness of our atmosphere, and differences 
in our prevailing winds, appear to render the application of any 
general laws derived from European records very unreliable with 
us, and we never can have a certain knowledge of these laws as 
they operate in our country, until they shall have been determined 
from observations of our own. 

The International Statistical Congress held at Budapest in 
September, 1876, the Meteorological Congress at Rome in 1877, 
and various conventions held by Agriculturists and Foresters in 
recent years, have had under discussion questions relating to the 
agricultural and industrial interests dependent upon climatic 
changes, and the extent to which these are modified by the wood- 
lands of a country, and it is to be hoped, that effectual cooperation 
in these researches will ere long be rendered by American investi- 
gators. 

Among the recent researches concerning the influence of forests 
upon the amount of water in wells, rivers and streams, and inci- 

I'Ombrometrische Beobachtungen der vom Bohmischen ForstvereineindenForsten 
Bohmens in verschiedenen Seehohen uiid Expositioueu errichteten Stationen. Her- 
ausgaben von der Forstlehran stall Weisswasser. Zusammengestellt und redigiert von 
Dr. Emanel von Purkyne, Professor an der Forstlehranstalt Weisswasser. Prague, 
4to (in monthl)' parts). 



18 REPORT OF THE 

dentally the effect of woodlands in maintaining the amount, we 
may notice as particularly worthy of attention, the publications 
of Counsellor Gustavus Wex,i^ overseer of the works of improve- 
ment in the Danube, at Vienna. These memoirs are not onl}' of 
interest from the facts that they embody, but also for their cita- 
tions, to other works, making them in some degree, a bibliography 
of the subject. They have been referred to commissions appointed 
by various academies of science, and the conclusions that they 
present have been approved by the highest authorities. They in 
fact confirm, by numerical statements, the observations of every 
one who has had an opportunity to notice the amount of water 
flowing in streams before and after the clearing of the district in 
which they rise, and through which they run. This amount affects 
the interests concerned in the hydraulic power of the larger 
streams, the supply of water to cities, and the navigation of rivers 
and canals. 

As this diminution of water-supply is the result of man's acts, 
so also in a great degree is the remedy of control within his power, 
and by means of planting and with reservoirs he can often recover 
and maintain the advantages lost, perhaps as fully as they existed 
under the primeval forests. 

Among the means for the advancement of forest-science in 
Europe, we might mention as worthy of notice, the growing inter- 
est in various societies and associations, formed for the discussion 
of new questions as they arise, the comparison of experience, and 
the promotion of that personal acquaintance so conducive to the 
general welfare. These meetings are usuall}'^ enhanced in interest 
by excursions to forests affording an illustration of methods, or 
other subjects of practical interests. The more important of 
the essays and discussions, which these meetings call out, are pub- 
lished with their official proceedings, and through the medium of 
these publications, and the various journals of forestry, the more 
important discoveries become widely known. 

Returning to the original resolution under which the Committee 
upon Forestry was appointed by this Association, in 1873, there 

18 Ueber die Wasserdbnahme in den Quellen, Flilssen und Stromen, bei gleichzeitiger 
Steigerung der Hochwdsser in den Culturlcindcrn, von Gustavus Wex, K. K., Ministe- 
rialrath und Oberlautier dei- Donauregiilirung bei Wien. 4to, pp. 43, with 7 plates. 

Zweite Abhandhing, etc., 4to, pp. 30, with 6 plates. 

There are separate imprints from the Zeitschrift des Osterreichischen Ingenieur, 
und Architekten- Vereins, 1873 and 1879. 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 19 

remains to be considered one subject that claims our careful con- 
sideration. 

"With the exception of a communication from its chairman to 
the New York Legislature, ^^ and one of like import by Col. 
Whittlesey, another member, to the Oliio Legislature, no action 
has thus far been taken by this Committee towards bringing the 
subject to the attention of our State Legislatures. This delay 
has in part arisen from an uncertainty as to how far a State Gov- 
ernment may, with any prospect of success, enact laws tending to 
secure efficient planting upon private lands. 

In European countries where forest systems have been in full 
force for centuries, it is only within a quite recent period, that the 
owners of a minority interest in a large and connected body of 
woodlands, could be compelled to join a controlling majority, in 
assisting to maintain a sj^stem of management under one direc- 
tion, the costs and profits of forest management being shared in 
proportion to the proprietary rights. It is still almost invariably 
the rule, that the owners of private woodlands have a full right to 
manage them as their interests lead, excepting in cases where the 
public welfare is concerned, and it is the universal experience of 
all countries that the owners of the soil are jealous of interference 
with what they regard as their rights, in the cultivation of their 
own land. 

This is particularly true in our own country, where '•'•Liberty 
and Independence" have been the watchwords from the beginning, 
and where the widest range of freedom is allowed in the enjoy- 
ment of every kind of property, provided only that no injury is 
done to the public, or to the rights of others. 

We cannot therefore entertain the idea of an edict- that every 
man shall plant a given portion of his land with forest-trees. Our 
people must be educated to a knowledge of the situation, and fa- 
miliarized with the means by which benefits may be gained, or 
injuries avoided. With the great majority, the effect of scarcity 
upon the market prices of lumber will be of more interest than the 
influence of forests upon the climate ; and the public generally will 
give more attention to questions of gain or loss, than to all that 
science teaches about the hidden causes that produce these results. 

We accordingly deem it best only to recommend a series of 
measures tending to familiarize our people with ideas of the im- 

10 Senate Document, 83, 1875. 



20 REPORT OF THE 

portance of forest culture, and to make them better acquainted 
with the means by which its advantages may be secured. It may 
be reasonably hoped, that public opinion will by these means be 
led to sustain such other measures as further experience may 
warrant or suggest. 

The following form of a Memorial is therefore submitted for 
your consideration. If approved, we would suggest that it be 
forwarded in duly authenticated form, as the recommendation of 
this Association, to the chief executive officer of each State and 
Territory of the United States, with a request that the same may 
be submitted to the several Legislatures. 

And your Committee, having now served for seven years, and 
performed their duty to the best of their ability and opportunity, 
ask to be discharged. 

Franklin B. Hough. 

Lewis H. Morgan. 

Asa Gray. 

Charles Whittlesey. 



MEMORIAL. 
To His Excellency 

The Governor of 

The'American Association for the Advancement of Science, 
at its meeting held in Boston, on the 30th day of August, 1880, 
having considered and adopted the following Memorial, has in- 
structed the undersigned to transmit the same to Your Excel- 
lency, and respectfully ask that it may be laid before the 
Legislature of your State, at its next session. 

Memorial of the American Association for the Advancement of 
Science, in relation to the Need of Attention to our future 
Forest Supplies. 

To the Honorable the Legislature 
OP the State op 

We would earnestly invite the attention of your Honorable 
Body, to the great and increasing importance of providing by 
adequate Legislation, for the protection of the existing Woodlands 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 



21 



of the country against needless waste, and for the encouragement 
of measures tending to the more economical use, and the proper 
maintenance of our Timber Supply. 

It is evident that the consumption and waste of the Forests of 
the country much exceed their restoration by natural growth, that 
the native supply of Timber of the better qualities is rapidly be- 
coming less, and that the demand for building purposes, man- 
ufactures and other uses, is rapidly increasing from year to year. 

This decreasing supply, and growing consumption, must una- 
voidably lead to serious inconvenience, and may, unless season- 
ably prevented, occasion great public injury, by leaving the future 
without adequate supplies. 

We deem it an established fact, that the interests of Agriculture 
are promoted by the presence of a due proportion of Woodlands 
in a country, and that they suffer when clearings are carried to 
excess. The protection which they afford appears to mitigate, in 
a sensible degree, the vicissitudes of Climate, snd to maintain the 
supply of water in springs, rivulets and wells. They shelter a 
country from injurious winds, and may be made practically useful, 
in preventing the drifting of snows and sands, in preventing or 
diminishing damages from torrents, and in limiting unhealthy 
emanations from marshes. Their influence in connection with 
questions of water-supply for cities, and the maintenance of hy- 
draulic power, and of navigation in rivers and canals, where these 
may be affected by droughts, deserves serious attention. 

But it is especially to the Woodlands, as a source for supplying 
materials of first necessity to the country, that we would respect- 
fully invite the attention of your Honorable Body ; and here we 
would remark, that a realizing sense of the importance of this 
subject has long since led the principal governments of Europe 
to enact laws, and establish regulations for the maintenance of 
a due proportion of Forests upon their Public Domains, and upon 
the lands belonging to Local Municipalities and Public Insti- 
tutions. 

We are aware that wide differences exist, in the tenure of land, 
in the United States, as compared with those of Europe, and 
that the titles to landed property are heie very generally vested 
in their owners, without any conditions whatever as to Timber 

Culture. 

It is also true that, in most of the older, and in some of the 



22 REPORT OF THE 

newer States, there are no lands whatever, adapted to this use, 
now belonging to either the State or the Local Governments — the 
whole being owned by private citizens, and subject to no con- 
ditions, but such as their Representatives in a Legislative capacity 
may establish for the general welfare. 

It is to the Owners of the Land, that we must therefore look 
for the adoption of measures tending to avert the injuries in pros- 
pect ; and in furtherance of this end, we deem it within the prov- 
ince of a State Legislature to encourage the enterprise, which may 
be done in a good degree in the following manner : 

1. By a Law protecting Trees planted along the Highways, and 
by encouraging such plantations by deductions from Highway 
Taxes. It may, in particular cases, be proper to require such 
plantations to be made at the public expense, with the view of 
protecting roads from drifting snows, or for other local benefits, 
and in a manner best calculated for securing these objects. 

2. By a Law that shall exempt from taxation the increased 
value of land, from the planting of trees, where none were grow- 
ing, for such period as may appear proper, or until some profit 
may be realized from the plantation. 

3. By the appropriation of money to Agricultural and Horti- 
cultural Societies, to be applied as premiums for tree-planting, 
regard being had to greatest areas planted, and the most suc- 
cessful management. Reports should be required, giving details 
of the methods found most effectual in obtaining these results. 

4. By prizes for the best Essays and Reports upon subjects 
of practical Forest-culture, to be awarded by competent Judges, 
and those approved, to be published for distribution among those 
who would be the most benefited by this information. 

5. By encouraging Educational Institutions within the State to 
introduce a course of instruction, having reference to practical 
sylviculture. This object may be promoted by the aid of Collec- 
tions, and by correctly labelled Plantations of the various species 
of Forest Trees adapted to the soil and climate. At Agricultural 
Colleges, and at higher Institutions of Learning, stations might 
be advantageously established under State patronage, for experi- 
ments and observations in cultivation and acclimatization. The 
distribution of seeds and plants affords a direct and eflflcient aid, 
in the promotion of an interest in this subject. 

6. By laws tending to prevent Forest-fires, by imposing penal- 



COMMITTEE UPON FORESTRY. 23 

ties against the wilful or careless setting of such fires, and by- 
enlarging and defining the powers of Local Officers in calling for 
assistance, and in adopting measures for suppressing them. The 
waste from this cause, in some years, greatly exceeds the amount 
of timber used, and there is no question connected with forest 
supplies, that demands more serious attention . Our main reliance 
appears 'to depend upon vigilant precautions, enforced by adequate 
penalties, and sustained by a strong public sentiment. 

7. Under favorable circumstances. Model Plantations might be 
established and maintained by a State Government, under the care 
of persons specially trained to the profession of Forestry. Their 
location should be chosen with a view of aflbrding convenient op- 
portunity to those who might wish to learn approved methods of 
management, by the study of a work worthy of imitation. 

8. The appointment of a Commission of Forestry under State 
authorit}'^ (analogous to the Commission of Fisheries in many of 
the States) might prove of great service in promoting efficient 
measures for the advancement of this interest. The Members of 
such a Commission, who would doubtless be selected on account of 
their influential standing, and their known intelligence upon this 
subject, would be able to study the conditions and requirements 
of their State, and devise means for most effectually securing the 
object in view. 

In the questions arising upon this subject, we depend much 
upon the intelligence of our fellow citizens, who are generally not 
slow to appreciate advantages, or to foresee a real danger where 
the indications are apparent. When this danger is fully realized, 
we believe that no time will be lost in seeking to apply the remedy. 
The measures we recommend will tend to awaken an interest in 
the subject, and lead to an intelligent understanding of the means 
for meeting the dangers that may arise from undue exhaustion 
of our forest supplies. They will diff'use the benefits gained by- 
experience, for the good of all, and educate public opinion to a 
degree that will sustain more energetic measures, as their ne- 
cessity may be hereafter more fully known. 

Chairman of the Committee, 

A. A. A. 8. 



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